Rotary Foundation Centenary Lunch

Rotary Dinner in Europa 12210617President Ivan was honoured and delighted to welcome (pictured from left) Eve Conway, RIBI President, Councillor Nuala McAllister, Lord Mayor of Belfast, Kalyan Banerjee, Chairman The Rotary Foundation Trustees, Garth Arnold, District Governor Elect, Gerry Kierans, Rotary Ireland District Governor, as well as the other District Officers, Presidents, Rotarians and guests to the District Rotary Foundation Centenary Lunch at the Europa Hotel Wednesday 21 June. It was attended by over 90 Rotarians and guests from all across Northern Ireland with an excellent Club turnout of over 40.

In an inspirational address the Lord Mayor noting that she had had a fast paced and enjoyable first 3 weeks stated that she was delighted to be present and that her theme throughout her term would be ‘Global Belfast'. She thanked Rotarians for their service not only to the City but internationally and that the value of Rotary’s work is recognised globally. She concluded that she was impressed with Rotary’s 4 Way Test and thought she might adopt it!

Rotary Dinner in Europa 16210617Chairman Kalyan reflected on the history and development of The Rotary Foundation noting that President Arch C. Klumph’s proposal of an endowment for “doing good in the world” was a modest proposal that had great consequences. It set in motion a far-reaching series of events that would transform not only Rotary, but also the lives of millions of men, women, and children in every part of the world. Although it was not initially well received Klumph was not easily discouraged and The Foundation awarded its first grant in 1930. Highlighting its success he noted that thanks to the generous support of Rotarians worldwide, The Rotary Foundation has provided $3.7 billion for its vital projects and programs over the last 100 years.

He highlighted that this shows 2 truths – the power of persuasion especially in pursuit of noble goals and that 1 person can make a difference.

He stressed that we owe it to the past to keep the dream alive and asked all to support “our” Foundation and begin the 2nd century fully prepared to do even more in the world. He highlighted the current “ambitious but not unrealistic” fundraising target for the centenary year of $300m noting we are well on our way to meeting it as with 10 days left $270m has been donated and asked all to “give what they can”. President Ivan thanking him for his impressive and heartfelt address presented him with a token of appreciation which included the Club’s Centenary book.

District Governor Gerry thanked the Lord Mayor for her address and, noting that this was the 3rd leg of his Ireland tour, Chairman Kalyan for his address. He noted that he had criss-crossed Ireland with other events having been held in Cork and Dublin. He thanked him for his commitment and dynamism and pointed out that his address to the Rotary Convention in Atlanta last week could be read here. He highlighted that the clubs are the lifeblood of Rotary and members have led to the influence and respect of Rotary around the world. He stressed the effort to End Polio continues with so far this year “only 5 (though 5 too many!) cases reported”. He affirmed the announcements at the Convention of Rotary’s commitment to raise $50m pa over the next 3 years to be matched 2 to 1 by the Gates Foundation and increased funding by World Governments. He pointed out that on this visit Chair Kalyan had said that his proudest moment in his life was when RI President 2011-12 India was declared Polio Free. He concluded that this year’s theme is “Rotary serving Humanity” and that Rotarians will continue to do so.

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